Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1970 MG C Roadster
Desirable home market example
Estimate
£20, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: EWB 306H
Chassis No: GCN17279
MOT: June 2025
Desirable ‘home market’ RHD example
Presents in its original colour scheme of Tartan Red with a Black interior and a Black hood
Supplied new by Kennings Ltd of Sheffield
Lavished with an extensive restoration in 2008 with under 4, 000 miles since
Offered with a history file including the BMIHT Heritage Certificate
Intended as a flagship sportscar to replace the Austin-Healey 3000, the MGC was introduced in autumn 1967. Based around the same two-door monocoque bodyshell as the humble MGB (albeit with a substantially altered engine bay and floorpan), the newcomer was powered by a 2912cc OHV straight-six engine allied to either four-speed manual plus overdrive or three-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with new torsion-bar independent front suspension, telescopic shock absorbers and lower geared rack and pinion steering, it was visually distinguished by a 'power bulge' bonnet and taller 15-inch wheels. While early road tests criticised the car's 'nose heavy' handling later reports were far kinder (which suggests that Abingdon's engineers quickly overcame the larger powerplant's extra mass). With some 145bhp and 170lbft of torque on tap, the model was reputedly capable of 120mph. Too readily confused with the four-cylinder MGB, it was dropped in 1969 after just 4, 544 Roadsters and 4, 458 GTs had allegedly been made. Though, over fifty-five years on, the MGC's lack of period sales success has only made it more collectible.
Chassis ‘GCN17279’ was manufactured on the 22nd of April 1969, being dispatched on the 5th of May to Kennings Limited of Sheffield (of Sir George Kenning). Finished from the factory Tartan Red paintwork with a Black interior and a Black hood, this is pleasingly the colour scheme that the MG is presented in today, and it was specified with the factory with fitted equipment of wire wheels and a tonneau cover. The MG is a desirable matching chassis and engine numbers example and is known to have been lavished with an extensive restoration which was completed in 2008, with less than 4, 000 miles covered since. The Roadsters restoration included a full bodywork renovation and repainting; engine overhaul utilising an unleaded head, carburettor refresh and balanced crank; new overdrive gearbox; stainless steel exhaust; re-cored radiator; new wire wheels; and brake refresh, as well as much more.
Acquired by the vendor in 2018 as a retirement gift to himself from MG specialist Former Glory (for some £25, 000), the MG has since been used locally before a change in health dictates sale. Throughout his ownership, ‘EWB 306H’ has been well maintained with expenditure surpassing £3, 400. The improvements and maintenance including a full service in 2023; new engine and water hoses in 2022; fitment of electronic ignition, suspension improvement, attention to the brakes, new wheel bearings, and a refresh of the cooling equipment all in 2019, amongst much more. Running well during the recent photography session with good oil pressure, the MG is offered with a history file that contains the BMIHT Heritage Certificate, a large collection of invoices for the restoration and vendor's work, a collection of MOTs back to 1977, restoration images, and a current V5C document.
A well-maintained and very nicely presented example of the MGC, this example boasts being a home market, original right-hand drive example with matching chassis and engine numbers, and being presented in its original colour scheme!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
